As I write this I'm watching the US Open and the crowd wildly chanting "Let's go Phil!" This, as Phil Michelson walks to the green of the 17th hole. He's tied for the lead... Phil has been four times the bridesmaid but never the bride. Phil just blew a short put... he's one shot back now.
When I usually watch golf, one player seems to know how to come from behind... You know his name and they call this movement; "a charge."
Today, our world offers so many opportunities to observe underdog victories. From televised sporting events and reality shows to corporate ladder climbing and strokes of luck we love a good "Cinderella Story." But when it comes to life, as we know it, we may admire those who somehow make their way to the top but, like an indistinguishable face in the stands, believe our only involvement is one of spectator.
Often when we admire the success of others we separate the experience from our own abilities and think I could never play golf like Tiger or sing like Carrie or run a business like The Donald. Are we then resigned to our mediocrity; a state of mind which holds one captive from ever aspiring to be better themselves? I used to think mediocrity was the result of comfort. But I've come to another conclusion.
When reading the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15; Jesus tells of a son who asks for his inheritance early, goes and squanders it and finds himself miserable... is that mediocrity? This son then comes to his senses decides to return home hoping to get a job as a hired hand... is that mediocrity? His father sees the come back kid in the distance and runs toward him accepting him back as if nothing ever happened... is that mediocrity? To me, none of that is mediocre because I started thinking for one to come out of mediocrity, "Does it require a significant move in obscurity to force one to think of themselves in a different light so they'll move toward being known?" Ha! I thought I was on to something until I noticed the reaction of the elder brother of the prodigal's story... you know the dutiful one who never left home and was offended the father would be so merciful.
It was the attitude of the older son which revealed to me true mediocrity. As Ayn Rand quotes, "Mediocrity" doesn't mean average intelligence, it means an average intelligence that resents and envies its betters." I now understand why many look to the successful and then proceed to build empires around their limitations.
Competition is fierce! It can be collegial too. But it can not be reserved only for those who are willing to get to the top and stay there. It is also for those who hit rock bottom and need to go somewhere else. But most importantly, competition is for the mediocre.
The US Open is now over... Phil tied for second... again... and this time with another come back kid; David Duvall!
What's your story?
